Drivers faced heavy rush-hour delays following a three-vehicle crash on a busy route.

The A2 London-bound was blocked after the accident just before the M25 Darenth Interchange in Dartford.

At one point, the crash caused congestion stretching back 12 miles to the M2 at Strood.

Motorists already on that stretch were diverted past Bluewater while emergency crews dealt with the incident and the vehicles involved were recovered.

Police, fire and ambulance crews were called to the scene.

A spokesman for the force said: “Kent Police was called at 7.22am on Wednesday (February 7) to a collision involving three cars on the London-bound carriageway of the A2 near Dartford.

“Patrols and highways officers attended the scene where no injuries were reported and arrangements are underway to recover the vehicles.”

Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for Kent Fire and Rescue added: “We was called at 7.26am today (7 February) to reports of a crash on the A2 in Darenth, near to the junction for the M25.

“Two fire engines attended, and crews helped to make the scene safe.”

The route reopened at about 8.30am, but delays remained until 10am.

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